New York, 12 May 2011 - Today a signing ceremony regarding the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks took place at the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the UN in New York.

In a short introduction, Mr. Bert Lenten, Officer in Charge of CMS, highlighted the role sharks play as top predators in the marine environment. Their unsustainable use will have a detrimental effect on the whole ecosystem. In response to this, the South African Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Bomo Edith Edna Molewa, expressed the strong commitment of her country to conserve these species. She also highlighted the economic revenues South Africa and in particular local communities gain through eco-tourism involving sharks. More and more people would like to 'dive with the sharks' and see these magnificent species at close range. South Africa is the 16th country to sign this MoU.